Video Game and Console Grading Scale

When buying or selling video games, consoles, or accessories, it's essential to standardize their condition to ensure transparency. Below is a comprehensive grading scale, including descriptions for each condition category.

1. Brand New (BN) / Factory Sealed

  • Description: Item is completely new, unopened, and in original factory shrink-wrap.
  • Characteristics:
    • Shrink-wrap or factory seal is intact with no tears or holes.
    • Box/packaging is flawless with no dents, scratches, or discoloration.
    • No signs of tampering or prior opening.
  • Applies To: Games, consoles, and accessories.
  • Ideal For: Collectors and premium resales.

2. Complete in Box (CiB)

  • Description: Includes the game, console, or accessory in its original packaging, with all inserts and components.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: Original case, game disc/cartridge, manual, and inserts included.
    • Consoles: Original box, console, cables, controllers, and documentation.
    • Box and contents are in good condition with minimal wear.
  • Applies To: Games, consoles, accessories.
  • Ideal For: Collectors and enthusiasts seeking complete items.

3. Loose / Cartridge or Disc Only

  • Description: The game or accessory is sold without its original packaging or inserts.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: Includes only the game cartridge or disc.
    • Consoles: Console only, without the original box or accessories.
    • May have minor wear but is fully functional.
  • Ideal For: Players or budget-conscious buyers.

4. Like New

  • Description: Opened but shows virtually no signs of use or wear.
  • Characteristics:
    • Case or packaging is intact and clean with no significant flaws.
    • Game disc or cartridge is spotless and fully functional.
    • All original components are included and in pristine condition.
  • Ideal For: Collectors or those seeking high-quality items.

5. Very Good (VG)

  • Description: Used but well-maintained; fully functional with minor cosmetic flaws.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: Case may have light scuffs, and manual or inserts may have slight wear. Disc or cartridge is free of major scratches.
    • Consoles: Minor surface scuffs or discoloration; all essential components included and in good working condition.
  • Ideal For: Players seeking quality items without paying premium prices.

6. Good (G)

  • Description: Noticeable wear but still fully functional.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: Case may have cracks or missing art. Manual or inserts may be missing. Disc or cartridge may have minor scratches but plays without issues.
    • Consoles: Visible scuffs, discoloration, or wear; may lack some original accessories but is operational.
  • Ideal For: Players on a budget.

7. Acceptable (A)

  • Description: Heavy wear but functional; not collector-grade.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: May include loose discs/cartridges or broken cases. Discs may have scratches but still play. Manual and inserts are often missing.
    • Consoles: Noticeable cosmetic damage, missing non-essential accessories, but still works.
  • Ideal For: Casual players or those seeking functional items at the lowest cost.

8. For Parts / Not Working (FP/NW)

  • Description: Item is damaged or non-functional and sold as-is.
  • Characteristics:
    • Games: Discs or cartridges may be unplayable due to damage. Missing cases or labels.
    • Consoles: Non-functional, missing key components, or heavily damaged.
  • Ideal For: Repair enthusiasts or those seeking spare parts.

Grading Extras for Consoles:

  • With Box (WB): Indicates the console is sold with its original box, even if not complete.
  • Tested (T): Confirms that the console has been tested and works as described.
  • Unopened (U): Indicates the console or accessory is in its original, unopened packaging.